Jonas Vingegaard rode 'perfect race' and reminded us who he is, says expert after star's Stage 2 glory at La Vuelta

Jonas Vingegaard claimed a dramatic victory on Stage 2 of La Vuelta on Sunday. And TNT Sports expert Matt Stephens hailed Vingegaard for riding the "perfect race". Vingegaard is favourite to win the race - which is live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - which would be the perfect way to respond after falling short against his great rival Tadej Pogacar at last month's Tour de France.

Jonas Vingegaard was hailed for riding the "perfect race" as he claimed a dramatic victory on Stage 2 of La Vuelta on Sunday.

Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) pipped Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek) to the finish line in Limone Piemonte, with David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) in third place.

TNT Sports expert Matt Stephens was hugely impressed with Vingegaard, saying it was a "reminder of who he is" after he came up short against great rival Tadej Pogacar at last month's Tour de France, where he finished in second place.

Vuelta a España

Why Brennan will be future 'world champion' after Stage 5 glory

Yesterday at 19:51

"I think he rode the perfect race," Stephens said. "Because it's been so long, it's so important for his morale and his belief.

"What we have to remember is, this lad has won the Tour de France twice, but in the last couple of years he's been overshadowed by the phenomenon that is Tadej Pogacar. This is a timely, important reminder of who he is.

"What a brilliant win, fantastic. You know what Jonas is like, he never gives up, and it just shows, if you fight all the way to the line you can get your reward.

"And this new-found explosivity that Jonas has got, he took it on the line by the width of a rim at the end.

"That cathartic punch to the air from Jonas and delight all round from his team-mates. What a way to start this race as the out-and-out favourite. Wow, that is a big marker there."

Vingegaard hailed for riding 'perfect race' to win Stage 2 at La Vuelta

Video credit: TNT Sports

Stephens also believed it was a late look over his shoulder that probably cost Ciccone victory.

"It was a slow-burning stage, let's be honest," Stephens added. "There was so much packed into the final few metres.

"It did look as if it was going to be Giulio Ciccone emerging through the mist. That little glance over his shoulder, I think it might have cost him the win."

Vingegaard 'happy' to be in red

Vingegaard declared himself "super happy" with his victory when speaking to reporters after the stage.

"It's been a while since my last victory, I'm super happy with how I felt and how the team did today - also super happy to have the red jersey," Vingegaard said.

• 'Back to the old Jasper' - Philipsen hailed after Stage 1 win
• 'A penalty kick' - Philipsen storms to Stage 1 sprint win

"To be honest, before the corner, I didn't think that it would be possible to pass him. But then from the corner on, it was a bit longer to the finish than I thought. Luckily I could just pass him."

'Super happy' - Vingegaard reflects on Stage 2 victory

Video credit: TNT Sports

Vingegaard also had a late scare in the final 25km, with rain falling and the roads slippery.

A number of riders crashed out on the exit of a roundabout, and Vingegaard also went down.

He confirmed that, aside from bruises, he escaped pretty unscathed.

"I went down pretty hard, but it seems like I didn't hurt myself too bad," Vingegaard added.

"I have a bit of bruises, but I think because it was so slippery, I was sliding more so I didn't really get any bad road rash or anything."

The third stage of the famous race on Monday, between San Maurizio Canavese and Ceres, will be live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

- - -

La Vuelta is available to watch on TNT Sports and discovery+, alongside the World Championships and the remainder of the 2025 cycling season.

Vuelta a España

Brennan has earned Cavendish comparisons after Briton wins maiden Grand Tour stage

23/08/2026 at 18:51

Cycling

Vingegaard ruled out for rest of season after Tour de France injury

17/08/2026 at 10:26